

In the Judo world, I have been able to share the mat with some the highest level athletes in the country. I took my group to work out with Lakea Vargas (US National Team Member) during his Judo class at a local BJJ school several times, and the most recent time I was asked to teach as well.
Later in the year, I was honored to meet Olympian Lauren Meece and invite her to train with us. She's been a constant in my dojo for the last month or so, both sharing her expertise and jumping in with my regular Judo class. Next year we'll have some exciting news to share as well... And of course there's Luis Hernandez. I've known Luis since I was about 16, though this was the first year we've really gotten close. Despite having 28+ years in Judo, earning his brown belt when AnnMaria De Mars was head of the USJA, for one reason or another Luis had never been given an opportunity to test for his shodan. Well, the entire purpose of our organization is to help others and provide them with training, networking, advancement opportunities or whatever else they need to grow in the martial arts. When my teacher, Steven Hatfield, came down to my dojo in August we surprised Luis with a long overdue promotion that was later registered with the USATKJ. |
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While we are still partnered with American Dragon Martial Arts, for which I remain co-owner and oversee the Taekwondo program for both youth and adults, this is the first time since 2015 that my school of Trio Martial Arts Academy is not subleasing from another business. Since holding our first class in the new location on August 1st, we have tripled our combined enrollment... Experiencing growth I didn't think was possible for us!

On a more personal note, I've gotten engaged this year to a wonderful woman who is both passionate about martial arts in her own right and supportive of my dreams as well. They say behind every great man is an incredible woman, and it's true. I would not have been able to make it through 2021 and accomplish half of what I've done without her by my side.